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Michigan State aims to stay hot vs. Chicago State

Dec 16, 2006 - 6:04 PM Chicago St (4-8) at No. 23 Michigan St (9-2) 7:00 pm EST

EAST LANSING, Michigan (Ticker) -- After a hectic early schedule, Michigan State will face a lesser opponent at home.

The 23rd-ranked Spartans will host Chicago State in a non-conference matchup on Saturday.

After playing 11 games in 32 days, including tough contests against Texas, Maryland and Boston College, Michigan State will begin a four-game homestand against lesser non-conference teams.

Drew Neitzel had 22 points and eight assists as Michigan State posted a 76-61 victory over BYU on Saturday. Marquise Gray added 15 points and 10 rebounds for the Spartans, who posted an impressive win in the annual Spartan Clash at the Palace of Auburn Hills.

The Cougars have struggled so far this season, and they cannot look to their home fans for help. In a rarity for a Division I squad, Chicago State will play just five of its 29 games this season on its home floor.

Both squads played Texas in the College Hoops Classic in Austin. Michigan State won 63-61, while the Cougars dropped a 92-66 decision.

This will be the first ever meeting between the schools.